Feature film to be shot in Phuket

A group of Phuket based American screenwriters are hoping to do for Phuket what China done for Chiang Mai by shooting a feature film entirely on Phuket.

Chiang Mai became increasingly popular with Chinese tourists after the Chinese comedy Lost In Thailand was filmed there in 2012.

BAREFOOT (an original screenplay by Jim Newport) is a contemporary drama that follows an American schoolteacher (James Dumont,) a retired couple (Tommy Chong and Pepper Jay) and an ex-boxer (Max Ryan) on their journey to retirement in Phuket.

Two northern Thai women and a child also travel to the island. Escaping poverty is their goal. Fate brings these wounded souls to a magical, thatched roof beachside bar in Phuket.

Together, their lives are changed… forever.

Emmy-nominated Writer/Director/Production Designer Jim (James) Newport (Mechanic II, LOST, Bangkok Dangerous) will be hosting a “launch party” for his feature film project BAREFOOT on March 26 at HOME, John Underwood’s unique restaurant in Kalim.

Together with Producer Les Nordhauser (Greenlight Films) they will share their film making experiences, both around the world, and specifically in Thailand.

A short promo film will kick the evening off. The story, setting, cast, history and future of the movie BAREFOOT will then be presented.This is an opportunity for all of Phuket to come together and participate in a rewarding, artistic adventure.

According to Newport, the genesis of the project goes back at least six or seven years. “Ed Vaughan had organised a group of writers on the island who met once a week at the Underwood Factory and discussed the craft of screenwriting. The intended goal was to make a film in Phuket.

“I have spent a year and a half writing and developing Barefoot. I have lined up a terrific cast from the US & the UK and we will begin pre-production this summer. The film will be shot October 15 – November 15,” Newport said.

John Underwood, owner of HOME restaurant, is investing in Barefoot – having agreed to lend his Underwood Art Factory and its artisans to the film as a soundstage and workshop for the sets and prop construction and filming.

This brings John’s career full circle as he started out in Australia in 1969 as an assistant to two-time Oscar winning PAINT YOUR WAGON Production Designer John Truscott.